Back on the mound

After missing three full seasons and most of a fourth to serve in the Navy during World War II, Bob Feller makes his return to the Indians 79 years ago today and promptly strikes out 12 while allowing only four hits in a 4-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers in Cleveland.

Feller’s victory comes against Hal Newhouser, who like Feller is a future Hall of Famer and is the game’s best pitcher while Feller is serving in the Pacific.

Oh, yes, a Friday night crowd of 46,477 turns out to see Feller’s return.